What is Insufficient Glandular Tissue (IGT)?

Insufficient Glandular Tissue (IGT) is a condition, sometimes called breast hypoplasia, that occurs when the breast’s milk-making tissue doesn’t develop properly, making it harder to produce enough milk.¹ IGT is often related to how the breasts develop during puberty, a time when the body undergoes hormonal changes that influence breast growth. In some women, hormonal imbalances, health issues, or genetic factors can lead to incomplete development of the glandular tissue, resulting in smaller or less functional milk-producing areas within the breast. Having IGT does not mean that you can’t breastfeed or nourish your baby. It just means that you might need extra support or strategies to ensure your baby gets enough milk.¹

Signs You Might Have Insufficient Glandular Tissue¹

• Flat or tubular-shaped breasts (instead of full, rounded breasts).
• Wide spacing between your breasts.
• Lack of breast changes during pregnancy, such as an increase in size, tenderness, or darkening of the areola.
• Minimal breast changes during the first week postpartum. 
• Difficulty with milk supply even after trying to breastfeed or pump regularly.

How to Manage IGT and Maximize Milk Production

If you have IGT, there are many things you can do to help you make the most milk possible.^2,3,4

Here are some helpful tips:

• Breastfeed Early and Often
  • Start breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth to help stimulate milk production. 
  • Early and regular removal of small amounts of colostrum helps set the stage for later milk production. 
  • Be responsive to your baby’s feeding cues. Frequent feeding encourages your body to produce more milk.
• Start Hand Expression ASAP
  • In the first few days after your baby’s birth, hand expression works best to remove colostrum after feedings. 
  • By removing more milk in the early days, you’ll not only have extra milk to feed your baby if needed, but it can also help to increase your milk supply.
• Pump Between Feedings
  • By Day 3 postpartum, pumping after feedings may be more practical than hand expression alone, and can help stimulate your breasts to make more milk.
  • Even if you don’t get much milk from pumping, the stimulation places the “order” for your body to make more milk. Over time, this can help improve your supply.
• Supplement if Needed
  • Sometimes, IGT means that you might need to give your baby extra milk. This doesn’t mean you’ve failed, and it’s okay to supplement with formula or donor milk as needed.
  • The most important thing is that they are getting enough milk and growing well. 
• Supplement at the Breast
  • If extra milk is needed, consider using a supplemental nursing system (SNS). This allows your baby to get additional milk while directly breastfeeding.
  • This is especially important in the early weeks while you and your baby are still learning how to breastfeed. Early use of bottles may negatively impact your baby’s interest and ability to nurse. 
  • Supplementing at the breast also provides a more steady flow of milk, so your baby stays actively sucking and swallowing longer. This helps to empty your breasts more completely and provides extra stimulation to help increase supply.
• Eat Well and Stay Hydrated
  • Your body needs extra energy and nutrients to produce milk. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of protein, healthy fats, and whole grains can support your milk supply.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as this can help too.
• Consider Herbal Supplements
  • Some mothers find that herbal supplements can help boost milk supply. Be sure to check with your doctor or lactation consultant before trying any herbs.
• Consider Medication
  • In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications that can help increase milk supply. Talk to your healthcare provider to see if this might be an option for you.
• Work with a Lactation Consultant
• • A Lactation Consultant is a great resource when you’re dealing with IGT. They can help you with latch, positioning, and other techniques to make breastfeeding easier and more effective.
  • They can also support you in exploring ways to combine breastfeeding and supplementation if needed, in a way that works best for your family.

You’re Doing Your Best

What If I Have Questions?

If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:

• Ultimate Breastfeeding Prep
• Pumping 101
• Moms Circle

Want More Info?

For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:

References